Stretcher



P 1945- D. J. GUNNE LL 2,384,299

STRETCHER I Filed May 28, 1942 flarr J 60/7/7611 Patented Sept. 4, 1945 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE STRETCHER Dorr J. Gunnell, Lansing, Mich.

Application May 28, 1942, Serial No. 444,889

1 Claim.

This invention relates to stretchers commonly employed to carry injured or wounded men during military operations.

The object of the invention is to construct a stretcher having a body portion upon which the occupant lies made of plywood. In the manufacture and distribution of a considerable number of stretchers constructed in accordance with the invention described in this application, it has been found that the cost of construction is materially reduced, that the weight is noticeably lessened, and that the plywood will not sag or stretch as does the ordinary canvas sheet used. The patient is supported in a position which does not change until the hospital is reached, and the plywood is in all respects equal in strength to a Wooden body or bed. It has the further advantage of being readily cleaned from stains or deposits of any sort during the service, and it has been found that the plywood as fully resists breaking, rupture or distortion as does any material employed for like purposes.

The accompanying drawing illustrates the construction of this invention.

Fig. 1 represents a top plan view showing all parts as assembled.

Fig. 2 is a side view showing, the form of the side bars constructed with end handles, and showing likewise the rockers or curved foot blocks near the ends of the bars on which the stretcher rests.

Fig. 3 is a partial full size section view taken on the line 3-3 of Fig. l and showing the construction.

Fig. 4 illustrates the shape of the handle taken on the section line 44 of Fig. 2.

Fig. 5 is an end view of the stretcher.

Throughout the drawing and description the same number is used to refer to the same part.

The invention has the customary general formation and comprises the side bars I and 2 having the handle ends shown.

Under the bars are secured the curved rockers or blocks 3 upon which the body supporting surface may be supported above and out of contact with the ground or other surface.

Cross bars or braces 4 in any desired number connect the side bars on the undersides thereof. It will be noted that the cross braces are located next to dependent blocks 3 towards the middle of the length of the bars. This arrangement was found to be advantageous as it prevents the striking and displacement of the stretcher by accidental contact of the shoes of those who grasp the handles to lift the stretcher, with a cross brace.

As best shown in Fig. 3 the inner longitudinal edge 0t each side bar has a recess 5 into which the edge of the plywood sheet 6 fits flush. Screws 1 may secure the edge of the plywood, and. the joint of the sheet and side bars are covered and protected by a usual half round molding strip 8. The molding strip 8 is to act as a trim to cover joints and screw heads but has no other material value to the stretcher. It is not intended to confine this invention to the exact size or shape of any individual element.

The invention is used for any suitable purpose where a stretcher may be necessary.

Having now described the invention, I claim:

A stretcher comprising a pair of parallel side bars constructed with end handles, the said Ibars having formed on their under sides near the end handles dependent block extensions whereon the stretcher may be supported, the upper surface of each :bar having an upwardly open longitudinal recess, a sheet of plywood having edges fitting the said recesses of the tops of the bars and secured to the bars in the recesses, cross braces having their ends secured to the bars beneath the said plywood sheet and supporting the sheet, and molding strips arranged to hold the edges of the plywood sheet flush with the top surface of the bars and secured over those edges.

DORR J. GUNNELL. 

